Coalición de Mercados de Agricultores del Sureste de Nebraska

Transcription

1 Coalición de Mercados de Agricultores del Sureste de Nebraska

2 The Farmers Market Coalition of Southeast Nebraska is a group of consumers and farmers who are concerned with the sustainability of the small family farm and are working to expand the local food economy in Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer counties in Nebraska. The Farmers Market Coalition of Southeast Nebraska is part of FoodRoutes Network, a national non-profit organization that provides technical support to community-based groups that are working to strengthen regional markets for locally grown foods. Visit to learn how FoodRoutes is reintroducing Americans to their food. Visit to find out how to get more involved in your local food community. A Chapter of Nebraska Buy Fresh Buy Local 103 Miller Hall Lincoln, NE Phone: (402)

3 table of contents Dear Neighbor regional map Tips for Shopping Farmers Market what s in season produce locally local market list Beatrice Farmers Market Crete Farmers Market Davenport Farmers Market Dorchester Farmers Market Fairbury Farmers Market Friend Farmers Market Hebron Farmers Market Wilber Farmers Market Wymore Farmers Market community gardens Public health solutions district health department

4 a message to our neighbors Dear Neighbor, We all know that a key element to healthy living is good nutrition. With that goal in mind, the Farmers Market Coalition of Southeast Nebraska is pleased to present our third annual Buy Fresh Buy Local Guide for Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer counties in Nebraska. This guide contains information including the locations of local farmers markets to purchase fresh, healthy produce to resources available to you with respect to recipes and nutrition. The Many Reasons to Buy Local! Buying local gives you freedom of choice for your family s health and nutrition. Locally grown and produced foods are exceptionally fresh, delicious, and abundant. Buying local protects the environment. Buying local supports endangered family farms and strengthens the local economy. Buying local protects open space and farmland. 4

5 regional map Norfolk North Platte Columbus Fremont Omaha Bellevue Grand Island Kearney Hastings Lincoln Enjoy your local farmers market in one of these five Southeast Nebraska counties including: Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline and Thayer. Fillmore Saline Gage Thayer Jefferson No market in your area? Interested in starting a farmers market in your community? Contact Public Health Solutions District Health Department today at or for support and resources! Bring farmers and citizens together in the pursuit of enjoying fresh, locally grown produce. Grand Island Hastings you are here Lincoln 5

6 Why Shop at a Farmers Market? While some food retailers do carry local and organic products, not all of them can carry a variety of local foods, or ensure a fair price to the farmer. Shopping at a farmers market is a unique experience that benefits farmers and producers directly, offering you more unique products, more heirloom varieties, and more opportunities to build relationships and learn about healthy eating. Farmers markets are a community experience, where you can meet your neighbors, friends, and farmers, and where more of your dollar will stay in the community. 10 tips for shopping farmers markets 1. Enjoy the experience. 2. Take your time. 3. Bring your Farmer s Market Coalition of Southeast Nebraska reusable tote to transport your produce home. 4. Ask questions. Most are local farmers and would be happy to tell you how the produce was grown, how to cook it, and more. 5. Go later. For smaller crowds and better deals. 6. Experiment. 7. Know what is in season & when. 8. Shop for dinner. 9. More than just food. Think farmers markets just sell produce? Think again! You can often find hand-crafted goods, soap, and much more! 10. HAVE FUN! 6

7 What is in Season? [ based on the average growing season of locally grown produce ] April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Apple Asparagus Beans (green) Beets Blackberries Blueberries Broccoli Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrots Cauliflower Celery Cherries 7

8 April May June July August Sept Oct Nov Cucumbers Corn Eggplant Lettuce Mushrooms Onions Peaches Pears Peas Peppers Plums Potatoes Pumpkins Raspberries Spinach Squash (summer) Squash (winter) Strawberries Tomatoes Turnips Watermelon 8

9 produce Locally Buying fruits and vegetables from local farmers markets not only supports local agriculture, but also saves countless pounds of carbon emissions, since your food has not been shipped from afar to your supermarket. It s not always easy to buy local, but from an emissions perspective, it might be worth it. This is a look at the average distance that produce travels in the United States from where it s grown to where it s sold (imported foods are not considered in this graphic.) The total distance local and conventional produce travels to come to you. Apples Beans Broccoli Cabbage Carrots Sweet Corn Garlic Lettuce Onions Peppers Potatoes Pumpkins Spinach Squash Strawberries Tomatoes MILES

10 Buy Fresh Buy Local market List Beatrice Farmers Market Gage County Crete Farmers Market Saline County Davenport Farmers Market Thayer County Dorchester Farmers Market Saline County Fairbury Farmers Market Jefferson County Friend Farmers Market Saline County Hebron Farmers Market Thayer County Wilber Farmers Market Saline County Wymore Farmers Market Gage County 10

11 beatrice Beatrice Farmers Market Michael Sothan Main Street Beatrice Aunt Mary s Center Parking Lot 111 S. 8th St. (8th & Court St.) Beatrice, NE Phone: Hours: June-October Thursdays, 4-6:30 p.m. Looking for a fast & easy way to peel fresh peaches? Drop them into a pot of boiling water for 30 seconds, transfer to a bowl of ice water, drain & peel after a minute. To prevent greens from rotting sooner then they need to, place a paper towel in the bag they are stored in to absorb moisture. Beatrice founded in 1857 is home to Homestead National Monument of America, the nation s first homestead site. Beatrice is located just south of Lincoln at the intersection of U.S. Highways 77, 136 and State Highway 4. Store vegetables like potatoes, onions, and garlic in dry, cool areas like regular kitchen cabinets. This will prevent the starch from breaking down into sugar which will occur much quicker if stored in a refrigerator. 11

12 crete Crete Farmers Market Judy Wohl Shopko parking lot 930 Main Ave Crete, NE Phone: Hours: May 21-Late October Thursdays, 2:30-6 p.m. How to Choose the Right Watermelon 1. Look Your watermelon should be firm, symmetrical and free of major bruises or scars. Some minor scratches are okay. Ripe watermelons should also be dark green in color. 2. Lift The ripest watermelons have the most water. And since watermelons are 92 percent water, your watermelon should be relatively heavy for its size. Founded in 1870, Crete is located 25 miles from Lincoln, Nebraska. Crete is home to Doane College, the oldest liberal arts college in Nebraska. 3. Turn Turn your watermelon over and check out its bottom, which should have a creamy yellow spot (also called the ground spot ). This is where the watermelon sat on the ground while it soaked up the sun at the farm. If this spot is white or greenish, your watermelon may have been picked too soon and might not be as ripe as it should be. 12

13 davenport davenport Farmers Market Oak and E. 6th Street Davenport, NE Hours: july-september Thursdays, 5:30-7 p.m. Year Round Market Thurs. 5-7 pm 103 S Maple Davenport is a village in Thayer County where the town motto is Welcome to our Village. Davenport is located at the juncture of central and southeastern Nebraska and on the original route of the Oregon Trail. Two Peas in a Pod When purchasing fresh garden peas, look for ones whose pods are firm, velvety and smooth. Their color should be a lively medium green. The pods should contain peas of sufficient number, size and not much empty room in the pod. You can tell this by gently shaking the pod and noticing whether there is a slight rattling sound. Garden peas are generally available from spring through the beginning of winter. If you will not be using fresh peas on the day of purchase, which is the best way to enjoy them, you should refrigerate them as quickly as possible. Unwashed, unshelled peas stored in the refrigerator in a bag or unsealed container will keep for several days. Peas can be steamed cooked, boiled on the stove, or placed in the microwave. 13

14 dorchester dorchester Farmers Market Robert Weber United Methodist Church 612 Lincoln Avenue Dorchester, NE Phone: or Hours: June 26-October Fridays 4:30-6:30 p.m. Quick Tricks with Zucchini Slice, marinate (try balsamic vinegar) and grill a variety of vegetables including zucchini, asparagus, green onions, eggplant, and mushrooms. Cut up veggies like carrots, zucchini and potatoes. Add them to your favorite meatloaf or soup recipes. Dorchester is a village in Saline County, Nebraska, founded in It is 11 miles west of Crete and 9 miles west of Friend, Nebraska. Take your favorite lasagna recipe and try adding different combinations of your favorite vegetables between the layers: mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, onions, or eggplant. Add raw zucchini to lettuce and pasta salads. Cut zucchini into sticks and serve with a dip. Slice zucchini, sauté in oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until tender crisp; toss into heated pasta sauce for a veggie-packed pasta topping. 14

15 fairbury fairbury Farmers Market norval & sue Stewart Historic Downtown Square 411 4th St. Fairbury, NE Phone: or cell Hours: May - October, Wednesdays, 4:30 p.m.-sellout Saturdays, 8 a.m.-sellout Fairbury is located at the junction of Highways 15 and 136 in southeastern Nebraska, along the path of the Oregon Trail as it enters the state. Fairbury is a city and county seat of Jefferson County, Nebraska. Honey is honey, it s just that simple. A bottle of pure honey contains the natural sweet substance produced by honey bees from the nectar of plants or secretions of living parts of plants. Nothing else. Honey is made by bees in one of the world s most efficient facilities, the beehive. The 60,000 or so bees in a beehive may collectively travel as much as 55,000 miles and visit more than two million flowers to gather enough nectar to make just a pound of honey! 15

16 friend friend Farmers Market Michael Moore Green Top Diner st Street Friend, NE Phone: Hours: June-October Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-noon Friend is located on Route 6, 12 miles south of I-80 in Southeast Nebraska s Saline County. Welcome to Friend, Nebraska, where there are miles of smiles! Pumpkin Honey Bread 1 cup - honey 1/2 cup - butter or margarine, softened 1 can (16 oz.) - solid-pack pumpkin 4 - eggs 4 cups - flour 4 teaspoons - baking powder 2 teaspoons - ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons - ground ginger 1 teaspoon - baking soda 1 teaspoon - salt 1 teaspoon - ground nutmeg Directions In large bowl, cream honey with butter until light and fluffy. Stir in pumpkin. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until thoroughly incorporated. Sift together remaining ingredients. Stir into pumpkin mixture. Divide batter equally between two well-greased 9 x5 x 3-inch loaf pans. Bake at 350 F for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let loaves cool in pans for 10 minutes; invert pans to remove loaves and allow to finish cooling on racks. 16

17 hebron hebron Farmers Market Steve Anderson Central Market Grocery 240 Lincoln AvE. Hebron, NE Phone: Hours: July - September Saturdays 7 a.m. - sellout Hebron is located in southern Nebraska at the junction of Highways 81 and 136. The historic Oregon Trail is just north of the city and the Little Blue River runs through the southern part of town. Top 10 Reasons to Eat More Fruits and Vegetables! 1. Add color and texture to your plate. 2. Nutritious in any form fresh, frozen, canned, dried and 100% juice. 3. Provides fiber that helps fill you up and keeps your digestive system happy. 4. Naturally low in calories. 5. Eating fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and some cancers. 6. Rich in vitamins and minerals. 7. Available in an almost infinite variety. There s always something new to try! 8. They are nature s treat and easy to grab for a snack. 9. Some crunch, some squirt, some you peel, some you don t, and some grow right in your own backyard! 10. Taste great! 17

18 wilber wilber Farmers Market Scott Woitalewicz Hotel Wilber 203 S. Wilson Wilber, NE Phone: Hours: May 5-October Tuesdays, 4-6:30 p.m. How to Cook Corn Just before cooking, husk the corn, pull off the silky threads, and cut out any blemishes with a pointed knife. Drop the corn into a large pot filled with boiling salted water. Cover the pot and let the water return to a boil again, then turn off the heat and keep the pot covered. After about 5 minutes, remove enough ears for a first serving. You can keep the remaining corn warm in the water for another 10 minutes without it becoming tough. Serve with lots of butter and salt. Wilber is the county seat of Saline County. Wilber is also the Czech Capital of the United States and hosts the annual Czech festival every August. 18

19 wymore wymore Farmers Market McCandles Park Hwy. 77 & G Street Wymore, NE Phone: Hours: June frost Tuesdays, 4:30-7 p.m. How Long to Cook Vegetables For the sake of comparison, the following guide assumes boiling. Cooks Quickly (5 minutes or less) Asparagus, Corn, Mushrooms, Broccoli Eggplant, Peas, Carrots, Green Beans, Spinach Cooks in 10 to 15 minutes Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower, Squash Wymore is located in Gage county 47 miles south of Lincoln and 87 miles southwest of Omaha. Just Keep Cooking (15 minutes and beyond) Collard Greens, Artichokes, Potatoes, Beets 19

20 community garden Are you interested in growing your own fresh produce but don t have space? Contact one of these community gardens where space and resources are available. Crete Community Garden Number of Plots: 51. First come, first serve. Applications available via or at the Crete Public Library. Cost: $25 per plot annually. Sliding scale is available based on income. Grants: Available to low income families to cover the rental cost and purchase of seeds. Restrictions: Maximum 4 plots per family. Applications due by June 1st. No pesticides or herbicides. Location: 920 Thornwood Ave. Crete, NE Contact: Tonya Walker tolewa@windstream.net cretecommunitygarden@gmail.com Can text or leave a voice message at Homestead National Monument of America Community Garden Number of Plots: 12. Plots selected by lottery. Cost: Free. Water available and free. Restrictions: Must be 18 or older. No pesticides permitted. Location: Southwest 75th Rd., Beatrice, NE Contact: Homestead National Monument of America

21 Public Health Solutions District Health Department is proud to sponsor the Farmers Market Coalition of Southeast Nebraska chapter of Buy Fresh, Buy Local, org, a nationally recognized program that is dedicated to introducing Americans to their food the seeds it grows from, the farmers who produce it, and the routes that carry it from the fields to our tables. At Public Health Solutions District Health Department, our mission is to prevent disease and injury, promote wellness, and protect the personal, community, and environmental health of all people in Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Saline, and Thayer counties in Nebraska. 995 E. Hwy. 33, Suite 1, Crete, NE Phone ; Toll Free Fax